Ex Libris

One of my favourite book and discovery of 2012 was reading Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett. I discovered a new favourite, and I couldn't be happier that her next story was just released today, yay! So please give the warmest welcome to Alyssa as she sits down to chat with David and Rosalie, the hero and heroine of her brand new historical romance, . Take a seat and get to know them, oh and don't forget to enter the wonderful giveaway at the end!

Today marks the release of , my new romance from Carina Press. It's an old-fashioned regency, an angsty historical featuring a tortured hero and a marriage of convenience. David Linney, Marquess of Deal, has been hiding a secret for much of his life, leaving him purposely distant and aloof. The earnest young woman he marries, Rosalie Whitwell, is convinced that with enough effort, she can make herself so indispensable to David, they can't help but be happy together. She's in a for a rude awakening once they marry.

Somewhere on the North Atlantic, 1820

Rosalie Whitwell has spent most of her life sailing the globe with her adventurous father, dreaming of the day she can settle in one place long enough to have a home and family of her own. When her father suffers a fatal heart attack in the middle of the North Atlantic, Rosalie turns in her panic to a fellow passenger--the cool, reclusive Lord Deal.

For years David Linney, Marquess of Deal, has avoided the society of others. Even so, he's drawn to his lovely shipmate, like him the victim of family tragedy.

As the voyage nears its end, Lord Deal is compelled to propose. But on their wedding night, Rosalie gets an unwelcome surprise: her handsome husband is strangely reluctant to consummate the marriage. Does she fall short of her groom's expectations? Or is he hiding a secret past that only she can unlock?

I wanted to do a character interview for Ex Libris, but David is so hard to draw out, I decided my best chances lay in asking the same ten questions James Lipton uses on Inside the Actor's Studio (which, as Lipton is always careful to point out, are based on questions written by French interviewer Bernard Pivot). So without further ado, here are the hero and heroine of  --David, Marquess of Deal, and Rosalie Whitwell.

1. What is your favorite word?

David: Favorite word? How could I pick a single favorite when so many words are fascinating?

Rosalie: Lord Deal is a great student of philology. He speaks ten languages and words are one of the few things I can coax him into talking about at length.

David: It takes very little coaxing, I fear. But you haven't said yet what your favorite word is.

Rosalie: Oh. Well, I suppose it would be "home." I've spent most of my life traveling, and when I think of what I wish for above all else... Yes, it would definitely be home.

2. What is your least favorite word?

Rosalie: Loneliness?

David: Guilt.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Rosalie: I like looking after people. I know it sounds dreadfully dull and unimaginative, but it's something I believe I'm good at.

David: To quote Hamlet, "Words, words, words..."

4. What turns you off?

Rosalie: (sighs) Traveling.I've seen a great many interesting places, but I'd dearly love to settle down for a time.

David: Let's discuss something else, shall we?

5. What is your favorite curse word?

David: There's an expression in German--"Herrgott, noch einmal!" Loosely translated, it means "For God's sake!" and it appeals to me because its phonology suggests the perfect measure of exasperation. German is an excellent language for swearing.

Rosalie: Oh, dear, I don't know. I've heard quite a few curse words from the deckhands on the voyages I've taken.

6. What sound or noise do you love?

Rosalie: Children playing.

David: Miss Whitwell's laugh.

Rosalie: In that case, may I change mine? Lord Deal has such a fine voice--so deep and resonant, with just a faint hint of melancholy. I could listen to him talk forever.

7. What sound or noise do you hate?

Rosalie: The constant sounds of a ship at sea--the creaking timbers, the wind in the rigging, the thump of the waves against the hull...

David: The stillness at Lyningthorp, my country seat.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Rosalie: Nursing. I've picked up quite a bit in my travels, mostly from ship's apothecaries, and I like to feel useful.

David: A profession? I inherited my father's dignities at the age of nine, so I've given little thought to a profession outside my responsibilities as Marquess of Deal. I suppose I could always teach language, or compile a dictionary.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

Rosalie: I would be a sad disappointment as a lady's companion. I learned that just recently.

David: Clergyman. I doubt the Almighty would stand for it.

10. If Heaven exists,what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Rosalie: "Come right this way--your family members here have been waiting for you."

David: If Heaven does exist, I have very little chance of arriving there.


I'd like to thank Stella of Ex Libris for having me here today. If you enjoy romances with tortured heroes, I hope you'll give Lord of Secrets a look!

Lord of Secrets is Alyssa Everett's second regency romance. Her first, , is also available from Carina Press. Look for her next regency, A Tryst With Trouble, in September of this year. 

She hopes you'll visit her website and follow her on and , where she promises not to spam you relentlessly.

Alyssa has very generously offered an ebook copy of  and a $10 USD Amazon gift card to a lucky commenter!

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